Crete self catering accommodation

Crete self catering accommodation

How this holiday makes a difference

The estate is a flourishing organic farm, producing a variety of fruits. Our guests are offered daily breakfast supplies, organic fruit that we grow and a number of other locally sourced, traditional delicacies.

The guesthouses have been restored according to local architecture and in harmony with the environment. They are run by the family, with the help of local women for cleaning/catering.

We try not to waste water and change towels / linen every 2 days or longer.. We encourage maids to close drapes, turn off lights and air conditioning when our guests are out. We use refillable soap and shampoo dispensers, with natural products (from Korres, a small Greek company). We encourage guests to recycle by providing recycling bin for cans, bottles and newspapers. We clean rooms with environmental cleaners to improve indoor air quality. We use no chemicals for landscaping. We have no unnecessary night time lighting.

Being very sensitive with the way Crete has been evaded by mass tourism, with results we all have to live with..., we offer guests a good amount of information on how to avoid touristy traps. We recommend local shops, eateries, craftsmen, walks and out of the beaten track sights and in cooperation with a local specialized agent- cultural day trips, cooking lessons and gourmet walks for small groups , so our guests can taste the ‘real’ Crete we know & love. Offering them an insight of the area, its people and customs, we hope to encourage guests to act in a responsible way.

Crete self catering accommodation

Reviewed 12 Sep 2007 by Susan Park

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The house we stayed in was absolutely superb in every way and the food the owner left for us each day was wonderful.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

They need to know that the journey into Chania old town, although only a short distance, is very, very busy.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Very, very good.

Reviewed 28 Oct 2006 by Jane Sanchez

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Most enjoyable parts of the holiday were the breakfast Manolis brought every day - fresh oranges to squeeze, fresh organic strawberries, raspberries, grapes, olives, bread, yoghurts, goats cheese, milk - need I go on... Also, wandering freely around the small organic farm to paint, pick a lime for cooking, feeding cats and hearing the turkeys gobble at dawn.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Getting constantly lost on our excursions out into the hills, the only tip I have is to get a reliable map showing all roads, not just the tourist map.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

I enjoyed being on a working organic farm; the workers were all friendly and I felt that paying for this accommodation helped them to keep their jobs.

Reviewed 20 Jul 2006 by Henrik Haagen

It was definitely a four star experience. Everything met expectations. Not that it disturbed a lot - but it should be mentioned that the house is very very close to the motorway passing Chania.

The best thing about the holiday was not so much the house as it was the beauty of Western Crete. In the South, Matala is worth the long drive. A piece of advice would be to try to not be on Crete during the hight of the tourist season. Chania was packed.

When Greek salad and oily substances of calamari is becoming a bore, you should try either Kariatis (at the harbour in Chania) or their sister restaurant 8 miles out, following the coastline to the west. They are truly nice and modern Italian restaurants with great food and service. Especially the selection of finer Greek wines was terrific. I find it difficult to see any other than the owner to benefit from our stay.